The MediaPlex Examiner-February 12, 2020

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, , 2020

Lifestyle

Local News

Education

YQG band the Blue Stones nominated for Juno Award Page 3.

A deep dive into the Public schools are not issuing report cards during psychology of New Years Resolutions Page 9. strike actions Page 3.

News Is Windsor prepared for an emergency situation? Find out on Page 10.

Downtown standoff ends in arrest

Photo by Bird Bouchard MediaPlex Examiner Staff The 400 block of Bruce Ave. in downtown Windsor was the scene of an all-day standoff on Wed. Feb. 3 after Windsor police officers responded to reports of a stabbing and identified the location of a suspect. Police taped off the block between Park St. W. and Karl for nearly 12 hours while they negotiated on and off with a man suspected of having a weapon.The standoff ended when the suspect voluntarily surrended to police just after 5:30 p.m. See FULL STORY on Page 2

Lifestyle

Local News

Education

YQG band the Blue Stones nominated for Juno Award Page 3.

A deep dive into the Public schools are not issuing report cards during psychology of New Years Resolutions Page 9. strike actions Page 5.

News Is Windsor prepared for an emergency situation? Find out on Page 10.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 2

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Windsor basketball community react to Kobe Bryant’s death Local teams ‘extremely sad’ following news

By Liam Mauger MediaPlex Examiner

Basketball players, coaches and fans in Windsor are mourning the death of retired basketball star Kobe Bryant.

Bryant’s helicopter crashed on Sunday, killing him, his daughter Gianna and seven other people on board. The helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California after flying in foggy weather conditions with poor visibility.

They were on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy, Bryant’s basketball camp, for a game Gianna was set to play in.

Bryant, 41, was a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA from 1996 to 2016. Following his death, reactions came from people all over the world, including from basketball teams in Windsor.

Keith McShan, 31, is head coach of the Windsor Valiants.

He said he was not sure if the news was true at first.

“I saw it on TMZ first, so I thought it may have been fake news, ” said McShan. “However, once I looked it up and did some more research and saw that ESPN was reporting it, it was more reputable. It’s just a shock that it happened.”

Matt Sykes, 25, is co-head coach of the St. Clair Saints and

said he learned the news a few minutes before the team had a game, and decided to wait until after to tell them.

“They were just utterly shocked,” said Sykes. “A lot of these guys idolized him, five or six guys thought he was the best player of all time, they watched all his documentaries and followed the Lakers just because of him.

I mean, they sat there for 10 minutes and didn’t even say anything to each other. As a basketball community as a whole, it took everyone by surprise.”

Sykes also said he heard some conflicting reporting on Kobe’s death, as details were still being revealed.

“They didn’t know if it was four people, they didn’t know if there were five, then they

came out and said there were nine,” said Sykes. “And before the game, people were saying it wasn’t Kobe, and his daughter wasn’t in it, they didn’t know.”

Brendon Seguin, 27, is the other co-head coach for the Saints. He said the decision to postpone telling the players was made to keep them focused on the game, as he knew it would be very distressing.

“Extremely sad, kind of overwhelming, shocking. Those kinds of words describe it,” said Seguin. “We were warming up for our game and the athletic director told one of our coaches, who told me. Both teams tried to keep it from their players. Right after the game, we told them, and it was the same reaction. He was the guy everyone looked up to.”

Downtown standoff ends in arrest Continued from page 1...

By Garrett Fodor MediaPlex Examiner

A day-long standoff in downtown Windsor this week ended peacefully with the arrest of a single suspect.

Beginning at approximately 7 a.m. Wed. Feb. 5, Windsor police officers began investigating a report of a possible stabbing in the 500 block of University Ave. W. That investigation, and a tip, led them to a multi-unit residence in the 400 block of Bruce Ave. Heavily armed and staffed with the K-9 unit, police blocked off the surrounding area and remained on scene for nine hours, negotiating with the suspect. Officers armed with C8 carbines manned several locations, including nearby alleys and rooftops, and pedestrians were directed away from the block. Shortly before 5:30 p.m., the suspect exited the building voluntarily and was taken into custody.

James Tooshkenig, 50, from Windsor, is charged with two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death and a count of forcible confinement.

“We were able to confine that area and set up negotiations with that suspect and there

were telephone conversations held throughout the day,” said Windsor Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Steve Betteridge. “At the end of the day the suspect did exit the building without any serious injury which is a great thing for everyone. Now we move forward with the investigation and that suspect has to answer to these charges in the court of law.”

According to police, the suspect displayed threatening behaviour toward officers and was in possession of a weapon upon surrender. He was brought under control with the use of a conducted energy weapon.

The building involved was secured by WPS and later searched. No firearms were found. Investigators also determined that the suspect and the victim were known to each other and according to Windsor Police, the victim’s injuries are considered non-life-threatening.

The Major Crimes Branch is continuing to investigate the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor Police Service at 519-255-6700 ext.

4830, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.catchcrooks. com

Photos By: Bird Bouchard Top: James Tooshkenig, 50, is led away by Windsor police officers Bottom: Windsor police officers move to secure the building.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 3

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

YQG band nominated for Juno

By Donia El-Haddad MediaPlex Examiner

Their first show was at the now closed Chubby Pickle in 2011, but according to Tarek Jafar, half of the Blue Stones, their first event was in a backyard with six guests in attendance.

The band has come a long way since then. The Blue Stones currently have 857, 431 monthly listeners on Spotify. How does the band make the magic happen when producing their songs?

“Typically I’ll hear a melody in my head and sing it into my phone. That way I can store it for later and work on it. Normally it starts with me messing around on my guitar and then I have a laptop set up where I can play with different effects,” said Jafar. “Then I’ll write sort of a skeleton framework of a song with a melody in my head no lyrics. If I like it enough I’ll throw some sample drumming on it myself or I’ll throw it to Justin.”

They are headlining on their second tour and have recently been nominated for breakthrough group of the year at the

Juno Awards. In the category they are accompanied by bands such as Hunter Brothers, Neon Dreams, Palaye Royale and Valley.

“It’s so great to be recognized by your country like that, you know? Even to be nominated is such a huge honour. It’s something we’ve always dreamed of… so it’s nice to have it happen,” says Jafar.

“I think what got the Blue Stones their Juno nomination was a perfect storm of three things: their amazing attitude and work ethic, incredible promotion and straight up raw talent... When they play they give it their all - they perform passionately. You can’t not hear that passion in their music,” said Dan Macdonald radio personality and host of ‘Hear + Now’ on AM800. “Energy adrenaline sweat you can hear it in their music. They put their time in, they hustled, in the truest sense Photo By Donia El-Haddad of the word - They climbed by Tarek Jafar, guitarist/vocalist for the Blue Stones putting in the work. Still a lot of is proud of the band’s Juno nomination. work to do - as they’ll tell you.

They were the first band I ever in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on It never ends - but watching played on ‘Hear and Now’”.

Sun. March 15, 2020. them blow up is exciting for me This year the Juno awards - I can’t imagine how they feel. will be hosted by Alessia Cara

Oh rats! Windsor’s free rodent control program could end this March

By Savannah Mills MediaPlex Examiner

The City of Windsor has approved the 2020 budget for the free rodent control program but the annually reviewed contract expires at the end of March.

The rodent control program is a free service to assist home owners and tenants dealing with an outside rat infestation.

The City of Windsor funds the program with $150,000 annually and the program is run by a team at environmental services for the City of Windsor.

This program has been operating for over a decade. The three-year contract with the City of Windsor which has a caveat and still needs to be approved by council each year.

A caveat is a notice that certain actions may not be taken without informing the council who gave the notice.

Anne-Marie Albidone, manager of environmental services for

the City of Windsor said there is always a risk when they go to tender but they understand the council has a lot to consider.

“It is difficult for the council because they have a lot of competing priorities and very limited tax dollars,” said Albidone.

Albidone said the funding of $150,000 has remained the same since the program began. She also said the majority of that funding goes to the contractors who do the baiting.

“The people who do the baiting need to have acquired a pesticide license to use the bait our program uses which takes up most of the budget, while the remainder of the budget funds the inspectors, education, other staffing and the pamphlets we produce,” said Albidone.

Albidone said any residents dealing with a rodent problem can just call 311 to organize an appointment for one of their staff to come out.

“We are looking for burrows

which are basically smooth holes in the ground that are clearly not man-made,” said Albidone. “That is usually where the rats are living and if we do find that upon our appointment we will have the home owner sign a release form for one of our contractors to come out and bait the hole.”

Albidone said in 2018 they were baiting about 17,000 properties. That was down to 16,000 properties last year which Albidone said was a small dip but the first dip they have seen in about four or five years.

“We have been going up and now we are seeing it come down. Our rodent control program is not an exact science, we use the number of properties we bait as the measure of the rodent population,” said Albidone.

Catherine Trudell, owner of Windsor Pest Control, said there are simple things residents are able to do themselves to prevent or control an infestation.

“We advise customers to clean up any debris and garbage in their yard, seal up any holes in the ground and keep lids on your garbage pails,” said Trudell. “When the company steps into a residence dealing with an infestation, the contractors use different methods of extermination as a solution. We use poison, bait and snap traps to exterminate.”

Shrey Gupta, a 22-year-old Windsor resident, said he has seen rats in his place of work.

Gupta said they deal with the issue by using ultrasonic pest repeller machines.

These pest-repellers use a high frequency sound that are intended to kill insects and rodents.

“If we apply ultrasonic devices they go away,” said Gupta.

As residents find new ways to deal with the battle against rodents themselves, the rodent control program will remain a free program offered to residents at least until this March.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Young drivers face cost concerns

By Wafaa Al-Kudimi MediaPlex Examiner

Employment experts say the cost of driving is still a barrier for young people which can potentially limit their job opportunities.

An employment consultant at St. Clair College said there are several factors preventing young people from driving. Cost tends to be the main issue.

Costs include gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs.

Wayne Riley, who worked in different roles in employment services for nearly 20 years, said the cost of buying a vehicle and insurance rates are major reasons why many young people are not driving.

Riley said youth may face difficulties in getting jobs when they do not drive. They are then limited to where they can work.

“Students without a licence

ley said.

Mohamed Al-Safadi, 18, is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Windsor. He said he planned to buy a car when he started university but there is no way he could find the money needed to own one.

He said driving is important for job opportunities and having an efficient mode of transportation is important.

“I do not have a job, so paying for everything that is required would be an obstacle preventing me from driving,” Al-Safadi said. “Driving would open up Photo by Wafaa Al-kudmi many jobs opportunities and would allow me to have a reliMohamed Al-Safadi, 18, a student of mechanical engineering at the Univer- able source of transportation.”

Driving instructors also see sity of Windsor speaks about driving for young people. young people struggle to own cars. would obviously not be able to Milad Hammoud, a classroom get a job that requires a licence, instructor at Ace Driving School, or a job that is not on a bus route has taught people to drive for that they wouldn’t be able to get about 11 years in Windsor. a reliable ride to and from,” Ri-

March Break planning begins

By Erich Schnekenburger MediaPlex Examiner

With March Break on the horizon, children aged six to 15 have many options around the city to have some fun away from school.

This year’s spring break in Ontario falls from March 16 to 20.

Two camps listed on the city’s community events calendar offer more than just a place to stay, they also offer valuable education for children The first is this year’s Art Expressions March Break Camp at the Art Gallery of Windsor.

The camp hosts a series of artbased activities inspired by the works in the gallery, recommended for children aged six to 12. This year, the camp will focus mainly on activities relating to the works of Quebec artist Francoise Sullivan.

Chris Finn, curator of education at AGW, said the camp has had many repeat participants, who enjoy socializing over the art activities. Finn also said the camp provides encouragement to keep art in people’s lives.

“The camps provide an opportunity to stimulate new ways of thinking about the art experience and to encourage them to sustain a long-term interest in

art and art-making as a means for building self-confidence through creative expression,” said Finn.

On the more active side, the Resurgence Arts Collective will be hosting a Ninja March Break Camp. This march break camp will be a collaboration between two local groups: Reform of All Movement Inc and Resurgence Arts Collective. Together they say they plan to teach movement styles such as basic parkour, circus, tumbling and other fun movement styles.

Erikka Johnson, one of the organizers of the event, said the camp started because it values the development of strong healthy children in society.

“The physical confidence gained when training in a safe, fun environment is incredible and we know it will inspire young people to move more outside of the gym,” said Johnson.

With these camps and many other events going on over the break, there is plenty to do for young people in order to have fun and develop in Windsor.

Further information on both camps can be found on the city of Windsor website, www.citywindsor.ca in the community events calendar.

Ace Driving School instructors provide training services to young and new drivers and prepare them to drive strategically and obey laws and regulations, according to their website.

Hammoud said some young people who are taking driving lessons do not drive because they do not own cars, but driving is important to getting jobs.

“It gives them a lot of independence, right, some jobs do require a driver’s licence to ensure you are arriving to work on time,” said Hammoud. “It gives them that sense of freedom and the ability to really have more opportunities to apply for different professions.”

According to a recent poll conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association, 67 per cent of Canadians do not know the average cost of owning a car for a year. The average cost is $3,300.

Driving safely

By Zachary Balogh MediaPlex Examiner

Distracted drivers are 23 times more likely to get involved in an accident, according to the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. New research shows Windsor has a higher likelihood of crashes occurring due to drivers texting while driving, with teens being most likely to be involved in an accident.

According to Luhrsen-Goldberg Law Firm.com, talking and texting is the most common cause of distracted driving and the leading cause of car accidents world wide. Individuals who text and drive are 23 times more likely to crash than a driver who is more focused on the road. Distracted drivers could face a fine of up to $1000 by Windsor law enforcement depending on the offense.

Constable. Talya Natyshak with Windsor Police Service Corporate Communications Unit said drivers have options if they are stopped for distracted driving.

“That person would be issued a ticket and they would have to appear in front of the Justice of the Peace and answer to that charge if they so choose to fight that ticket,” said Natyshak. “If they choose to plead guilty they

could pay the fines that are associated with that and along with the new distracted driving laws if there is a guilty plea there could be a license suspension and points.”

Natyshak also said drivers could increase their demerit points lost.

“I believe the first offense you can lose up to three points and every further offense the points would go up from there,” said Natyshak.

Other driving safety hazards include driving while intoxicated. Alcohol was found to be involved in 2.17 per cent of car collisions. This percentage is slightly below the five-year City of Windsor average of 2.29 per cent. The highest year for the percentage of fatal collisions involving alcohol was 67 per cent in 2016 in Windsor.

Natyshak said people should call police if they suspect another driver is intoxicated.

“Call 911. The Windsor Police Service considers that an emergency call. If somebody is on the roadway and they are suspected to be impaired then we would definitely encourage the public to call 911,” said Natyshak.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

The real impact of EQAO testing

By Tristyn Zuiderveen MediaPlex Examiner

Many students and teachers in Windsor-Essex County say they are not concerned with the postponement of the Grade 9 provincial math assessment.

Every year, standardized tests are administered to students at certain grade levels across the province. The Education Quality and Accountability Office “creates and administers large-scale assessments to measure Ontario students’ achievement in reading, writing and math at key stages of their education.” But these tests may not have the desired impact on the educational system.

This year the Grade 9 assessment was postponed at the public school board until June. This decision raised concerns for some individuals who feared the change could

Photo by Jacynthe Zuiderveen E.J. Lajeunesse secondary school student Cayleigh Wharram

affect the educational system as a whole. However, this does not seem to be the case for most students and teachers.

Jenna Mongeau has been a math teacher in the public school board for more than 10 years and has administered the EQAO test three times.

“I do not believe that EQAO has a true impact on a student’s

education. The test itself merely that I believe would impact me provides a number to depict how are the ones that were written students perform on a two day before me,” said Wharram. rigorous test,” said Mongeau.

“I believe my job as a math teacher is to deliver the curriculum expectations to my The Education students in the best way I feel Quality and is fitting and EQAO has no Accountability Office is an contributing factors in that.” independent agency which While the public school board creates and has postponed the EQAO, the administers several assessFrench Catholic School Board ments every year across the Conseil Scolaire Catholique province.They are: Providence chose not to wait.

Cayleigh Wharram, a high Grade 3 school student from E.J. Grade 6 Lajeunesse, took the EQAO Grade 9 Math Grade 9 math assessment on Jan. Ontario Secondary School 13 and said she is not concerned Literacy Test with her results affecting her (typically taken in Grade 10) own grades.

“The EQAO that I wrote For more information on these doesn’t impact me because it reflects the teachers and it helps and other EQAO assessments, see with the next students who write www.eqao.com it. The only ones (EQAO results)

Report cards withheld Young teens and plastic surgery at public board

By Tristyn Zuiderveen MediaPlex Examiner

Ongoing negotiations between the Ministry of Education and elementary teachers are having an impact on some aspects of education, with the Greater Essex County District School Board’s decision not to issue first term report cards As part of their work to rule campaign, teachers will provide a class list with marks for each subject for every student, instead of inputting marks with comments into the program used to produce report cards.

On Jan. 24, students in the Greater Essex County District School Board, were sent home with a letter from the Ontario Principals’ Council explaining the rationale behind their decision not to issue the report cards.

“The sheer volume of work needed to enter marks for every student on behalf of every teacher is impossible for administrators to accomplish in order to distribute report cards at this time,” the letter stated.

An early childhood educator with the GECDSB, who has been teaching for seven years, said the report cards do not have a real impact on communication between teachers and parents.

“At all times of the year, not just report card time, myself and

any teacher would be open to discussing their child’s progress in school,” said the ECE, who asked not to be named.

However, some parents do not agree with the OPC’s decision.

Brooke Waters’ 10-year-old son Blake attends Malden Central Public School. Blake is a Grade 5 student who follows an Individual Education Plan that designs his education to accommodate his disability, making feedback provided on report cards even more important.

“Especially with a special needs student.

Without them, concerns may not be recognized,” said Waters.

She also said in situations like Blake’s the proposed solution given in the OPC’s statement is not completely practical.

“If I am unable to find a time to attend (a meeting) within their work hours, due to my work schedule, I will not have any idea of any strength and struggles he is experiencing this year.”

Currently four major teachers’ unions in Ontario are in the midst of job action including rotating strikes and work-to-rule campaigns. The situation has been escalating since contracts expired in August. Both sides returned to the bargaining table Jan. 29.

By Christian Stannard MediaPlex Examiner

Your daughter, son, niece or nephew may consider undergoing plastic surgery to enhance their appearance because of social media platforms, as social media continues to attract new and younger audiences.

The conversation is becoming more serious as teenagers and young adults question their appearance because of influencers on social media. It has created a new trend called Snapchat Dysmorphia.

An app called FaceTune allows users to go beyond Snapchat filters by letting them mask acne, enhance the size of their breast or buttocks and plump their lips. Even men are using it to create a better-defined body structure.

Monica DellaValle is a nurse at Medical Cosmetics in Windsor and is familiar with Snapchat Dysmorphia. She has had patients come in for procedures to be altered to look like their filtered self or celebrities they admire.

“People do bring in photos and say, ‘this is what I’d like my lips to look like’ or something along those lines,” said DellaValle.

The office for National Statistics in the UK published a report in 2015 that more than a quarter

Photo by Madison Dunphy A filtered version of Madison Dunphy made with Snapchat.

of teenagers who use social media for more than three hours a day were found to have problems related to mental health.

Madison Dunphy is studying child and youth services at St. Clair College and uses social media platforms often.

“Me and my friends all use filters. I’ve never really thought of it being anything more than just a filter,” said Dunphy. “It’s crazy to think people my age are considering plastic surgery, I could never.”

Doctors in the mental health department of Windsor say one way to find out if your child is considering undergoing cosmetic surgery, is to have open conversations about these social media platforms. It is important to explain that most people you see on television or the computer screen do not always look like that.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 6

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Winter pet protection

By Hannah Janisse MediaPlex Examiner

Photo by Ryan Percy

Road salt can harm the environment

By Jagjivan Kuman MediaPlex Examiner

The use of salt for melting ice and snow on roads, highways and sidewalks keeps people safe but is also damaging the environment.

Essex County is responsible for maintaining about 1,500 kilometres of roads. The county maintains 18 salt/plow routes. Of those trucks 13 are combination trucks capable of salting, plowing and winging, or pushing snow back from the road. Five trucks are brought in on contract to handle the remaining five routes.

The county used 31,527 tonnes of salt and 136,119 tonnes of brine in 2018. The county’s snow removal budget for 2019 and 2020 is $2.7 million.

Crews pre-wet the salt, which makes it work faster and at lower temperatures. They apply

a salt-brine solution to the pavement ahead of snowfalls, which helps prevent snow and ice accumulation. The county informs Environment Canada each year about the amount of salt and brine used.

A GPS is used to track application of salt to ensure safety and environmental standards are met.

Heather Crewe is a resident of Essex County and recently retired from the Ontario Good Roads Association.

“Salt interferes with plants’ ability to take up moisture, most plants do not react well when they are exposed to the salt spray from road treatments,” said Crewe.

She also said geothermal heat was installed in 2012 on a bridge on County Road 23 as an alternative to salt treatments.

According to Crewe, the installation cost of geothermal

heat is quite hefty and access to the heating coils for maintenance if they fail is another cost consideration.

Products like sugar beets, mash from beer, whisky and brine can be added into salt to melt the ice and snow.

Katie Stammler is a water quality scientist at the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

“Chloride concentration is a component of salt, and is increasing in watercourses across the province and the long term impact will on aquatic ecosystems is not yet known,” said Stammler. “We tend to err on the side of caution which often means over applying salt.”

She also said automatically stopping salt application when trucks are stopped is one way of reducing the amount of salt on the roads.

Additional information It starts by making sure that their public works department has a salt management plan.

This will form the framework for decisions about treating the road with deicing chemicals, as a salt management plan is also a requirement for source water protection in Ontario’s watersheds.

Public works operations personnel from the snowplow operator to the supervisor to the department manager are trained on the latest road salt management techniques.The Ontario Good Roads Association offers an annual 3 day

snow school for Operation personnel.

Keep salt stored in a covered building on an impermeable surface to prevent chlorides from leaching into the ground and ultimately into the water table.

Reduce road salt use near wellheads and highly salt vulnerable locations (such as water intake protection zones).

Pretreat roads and salt brine before a snow event.This enables plows to clear to bare pavement by preventing the bond of snow and ice to the pavement. It will also prevent

the formation of frost and black ice.

Hire a value added meteorological service (VAMS) to provide accurate weather forecasts for your specific area so that you can pretreat roads according to the type of precipitation expected, know when it will arrive and plan your operations resources according to how long the winter storm event is expected to last.This way salt usage is reduced by ensuring it is only applied when necessary.

According to a local veterinarian, the best way to protect pets this winter season is by using paw safe deicers and putting boots on them.

Founder of the Emeryville Animal Hospital and Veterinarian, Debbie Godfrey, recommends using pet friendly salt on icy areas. Most deicers used on street sidewalk contain toxic chemicals such as sodium chloride, or potassium chloride. They can irritate paws and cause rashes, according to the pet information site Rover. One pet friendly deicer.

Godfrey,recommends for pet owners is Safe Paw. “They get little snowballs in their feet when they walk in the winter so wearing booties can help,” said Godfrey. She said paws can get bruises, rashes and generally become irritated due to the snow.

Gwen Jeun, also a vet at the Emeryville hospital, recommends a heated water bowl for outdoor animals, but warns this may not be enough to keep outside animals warm during the harsh cold.

“If you have an outdoor pet, they should have a shelter,” said Jeun. “Something to keep them warm.”

Both Jeun and Godfrey said generally anything below zero is something pet owners should watch out for.

“It’s more of what your animal is used to,” said Godfrey. “If your animal has been taken for a walk every day and they’re used to that cold and each week as the air is getting colder and colder, you can still continue to do that.”

According to Jeun, conditions to look out for that indicate the weather is taking a toll on your animal are frostbit and hypothermia.

“It [frostbite] looks like a burn on the tips of their ears, it’s actually skin dying because it got too cold,” said Jeun.

Godfrey also said a good way to check if your pet is getting sick is to check the color of their gums.

“Lift up the lip and look at the gum, and it should always be a pink, and when you push on it with your thumb or your finger, you should have the colour come back quickly,” said Godfrey.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 7

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Nature and technology connect

By Tyler Clapp

MediaPlex Examiner

Conservationists are using technology to strengthen efforts to protect natural habitats and help understand the environment.

The World Wildlife Foundation is using methods such as acoustic sensors to measure species population and watching wildlife via remote cameras. Locally, the Essex Region Conservation Authority is one group aided by the merging of nature and technology.

“GIS [geographic information systems] mapping is used to calculate the existing percentages of various types of land uses including agriculture, development and natural areas coverage,” said Danielle Stuebing, communications and outreach services director for ERCA. Geographic information systems gather data found in locations on the Earth’s surface like land usage, vegetation and income, according to National Geographic.

Mobile applications are being used by Tom Preney, biodiversity co-ordinator for Ojibway Prairie Complex on the west side of Windsor.

“One of the technologies we’re using right now is a naturebased app called iNaturalist.

Anyone can use it and submit observations of plants and animals they find within the Ojibway Prairie Complex,” said Preney.

Created in 2008, the iNaturalist website describes the application as an online network that helps users learn and gather scientific data on nature. Users share photos and videos of plants and animals they find. These are then uploaded to the app’s database and shared with other users for examination.

Measuring tools are crucial for conservation as well.

“We have a partnership with Campbell Scientific where we host five climate stations that provide real-time information on rainfall, temperature and sometimes wind conditions,” said Gina Pannunzio, partnerships and outreach coordinator of ERCA. Climate stations use sensors measuring conditions like wind speed and humidity which are saved to a central datalog in the station. This information can help understand weather conditions and climate differences.

ERCA will be hosting a free Volunteer Fair Open House on Feb. 6 for those interested in helping conservation efforts locally.

Photo byTyler Clapp The entrance to Ojibway Prairie Complex, located at 5200 Machette Rd.

Photo byTyler Clapp Tom Preney is the biodiversity co-ordinator for Ojibway Prairie Complex.

City Council announces Ward 7 byelection

By Simranjeet Kaur MediaPlex Examiner

A byelection will be held in April to fill the Windsor City Council seat left vacant by Councilor Irek Kusmierczyk who is now the Liberal member of parliament for the WindsorTecumseh riding.

Terri Knight Lepain has been working as a coordinator of Freedom of Information for 15 years and manager of records and elections for the last year.

“Every regular municipal election is scheduled by the ministry of municipal affairs after every four years. The next is on Oct. 24, 2022,” said Knight.

Irek Kusmierczyk was elected as member of parliament in the

federal election. City council decided to have an election to fill his space.

Gregory Lemay has been a paralegal since 2011 and has been running his own business for three years. He is a resident of Ward 7 and is running in the byelection. He had previously run for the election in Ward 8.

“I will complete my nomination process on Jan. 22. I am then going to start campaigning and advertising,” said Lemay. “I am running because I have been inspired by Irek Kusmierczyk.”

Lemay believes around 15 candidates are going to run for the nomination. Igor Dzaic, Michael Malott and Gregory Lema have signed nomination

papers so far.

Byelections are paid for by taxpayers.

“The assigned budget for the byelection is $120,000,” said Knight. “Majority of the money is spent on the hiring of staff at polling stations and renting of equipment to tabulate votes.”

Nominations opened Jan.14 and end on Mar. 13 at 2 p.m.

There is a $100 nomination filing fee.

Advance voting will be on April 17 and 18 while Election Day is April 27.

Photo by Simranjeet Kaur Terri Knight Lepain, Manager of Records & Elections.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 8

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Special Family Event at Art Gallery of Windsor

By Simranjeet Kaur Mediaplex Examiner

Roger Fordham sharing his message to be kind while standing at the iDineIN Photo by Albert Sharp Family Restaurant on Howard Ave.

Teach a man to cook

By Albert Sharp MediaPlex Examiner

A Windsor man is trying to combat unemployment in the best way he knows how: cooking.

Roger Fordham, 60, has been working in the culinary industry since the age of 10. From family restaurants to his own cooking ventures, Fordham says he has always been in the kitchen.

This is one of the reasons he started Feeding Windsor in 2014.

Currently, Feeding Windsor runs multiple free meals in the area every day. These meals include lunch programs, a pet food bank and a food club that offers $50 of groceries for a $25 membership fee.

Fordham is now looking to take things one step further by offering a free culinary training program. This program would allow him to provide an opportunity for Windsor residents to learn basic commercial kitchen skills.

“We give them the opportunity to get some basic skills, in a high demand industry in Windsor. The hospitality industry is always looking for people,” said Fordham.

He said the experience this program offers could be a potential solution for chronic unemployment. The four-month program would consist of two months of training and two months of work placement in the city.

“It gives them a person they can use as a reference. Where I can say to an employer, ‘well you’re really great, work well with others.’ You know they showed up every day for the last four months,” said Fordham.

This program has also garnered the interest of local restaurant owners. John Alvarez, owner of The Grand Cantina and F&B Windsor, said the program makes it easier for him to consider potential applicants who may not have otherwise had the kitchen experience.

He also added experience is not always the most important factor in the hiring process.

“Hiring someone with experience is always a plus, but not always necessary,” said Alvarez, “I like to give opportunity to the right candidates and am willing to teach and allow them to grow.”

While information on this upcoming program is still new, interest in the community is already forming. Loraine Green, 38, is a former landscape designer who has been unemployed for three years following a bike accident which damaged her knee.

“I cook at home all the time while my husband is out. So, the idea that I could take those skills and further them in a work environment? Perfect. I was never built to be a housewife. I’m a worker,” said Green.

Green said this program could help to tackle problems larger than just chronic unemployment.

“Hopefully Feeding Windsor sees a massive demand and increases the class sizes because I bet this could help so many people.

Providing daily work experience could maybe even help the city’s homeless population find work and help themselves,” said Green.

Fordham’s program is set to begin in March. Registration is open and further information on the program is available at

Selected Windsor-Essex artists are hosting art-making workshops every Sunday at the Art Gallery of Windsor. This month, the gallery has featured an indigenous artist, Kathryn Pasquach, who makes jewelery and moccasins as an expression of the traditional culture.

“I usually share my culture with the visitors,” said Pasquach.

“In my sessions visitors learn how to make dream-catchers, painting feathers and jewelery making. Last Sunday, there was a mystery braided bracelet, necklace and fringe key-chain.”

Amanda Dupuis, 35, has been working as a gallery guide and studio volunteer instructor for three years. She is also the studio artist for February 2020.

“Being the studio artist for a month, my role is to set up four to five workshops in the month and help the visitors who come in,” said Dupuis.

In February, there will be creations of cardboard masks, Valentine gifts, wall silhouette canvas and the line work known as Zentangles.

“From the family side, it is a wonderful way to spend time with your family,” said Dupuis.

“It is a great chance for an artist to work in an amazing studio

space and create a workshop for the program from the artists’ viewpoint. For the city itself, it serves as a wonderful event for tourists.”

Chris Finn has been the education and public programs coordinator at the Art Gallery of Windsor since 2017.

“The featured artists are paid a certain stipend per week.

This lets the gallery help the local artists and give them exposure,” said Finn.“The workshop is open for all ages, and if there’s a child under 12, we ask that they’re accompanied by an adult.”

But Pasquach wants to see more workshops with less involvement from adult participants.

“Parents who come with their children help them in making crafts. This is not beneficial for those kids,” said Pasquach.

These workshops are sponsored by Anne Safranyos and her family. This will be their ninth consecutive year in funding the Sunday workshops.

The workshop runs from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. The art gallery has entry charges, but the workshops are free.

Participants who are not a member of the gallery will have to pay the entry charges. For adults it is $10 and for students it is $5.

Psychic Expo

By Amo Dillon

MediaPlex Examiner

Windsor hosted the annual Psychic Expo at the Caboto Club in late January.

The Psychic Expo was the place to be, taking place at the Caboto Club from Jan. 24 to 27. There were many people visiting the club over the weekend, viewing art pieces and books and seeing what their fortune read.

It is a great place to come for healings and see for yourself what a psychic experience is according to Aaron Moon, a local psychic.

This was the second Psychic Expo of the year in Windsor and it was also the largest one held so far, according to the event organizer Linda Fulcher; this is because more people are starting to become interested in the psychic world.

“New people come because

they’re curious to see what it is we’re doing,” said Fulcher.

Moon said visiting the expo is a great way to calm yourself, and you can also arrange to book private sessions with the readers if you like your experience.

“A great deal of what I do is a lot of healings as well for people, I do sound vibration therapy which is a method that uses electromagnetism to move the energies in the body,” said Moon.

Fulcher said as the organizer they host 60 shows a year which includes these two expos.

“It’s been going on for 32 years, we’ve been coming twice a year to Windsor, so I’d say 60 plus shows we’ve been doing here in Windsor,” said Fulcher.

She suggests people to come and check out the event if curious and more information can be found on their website for future events and private sessions.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 9

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

The psychology behind New Year’s resolutions

Photo by Jazlyn Meloche Reem Adas, who has her Honours BA in psychology, says New Year’s resolutions are a good idea, but need to be approached differently.

By Jazlyn Meloche

all feel a drop in motivation.

According to a survey conducted by YouGov in April Many people set their 2019, seven per cent of people New Year’s resolutions, get fully stuck to their New Year’s motivated and may let it go by resolutions, 22 per cent mostly February, or some are able to did, 11 per cent have not and continue it throughout the year. four per cent did not at all.

YouGov also found that 54 Either way, at some point they MediaPlex Examiner

per cent of people did not make any resolutions at all.

Reem Adas, who has her Honours BA in psychology and minor in sociology, said the approach to New Year’s resolutions is the problem.

“I think that it’s a good idea, I don’t think that trying to change yourself for the better is bad, I just think that how we approach it and how people map out their goals is the problem,” said Adas. “My New Year’s resolution was to think more positively, so if I’m faced with a challenge to instantly think what is this trying to teach me rather than go into this cave of negativity.”

About half of Canadians want to exercise more, half want to save money, 48 per cent want to eat healthier and 42 per cent want to lose weight, according to a YouGov survey conducted in December 2019.

Shaylynn Biscan, 20, said it is important to make goals for yourself, but New Year’s resolutions are more of a social construct.

“My resolution is to be able

to locate what I get angry at and deal with it,” said Biscan. “I think it can be a social concept to make you feel bad for not being better, and instead of waiting for the New Year to come around, we should try to better ourselves all year.”

Studies done by Hengchen Dai, Katherine Milkman and Jason Riis of the University of Pennsylvania found that temporal landmarks such as the new year encourage aspirational behaviour.

“I think that the need to create a New Year’s resolution comes from the fact that sometimes there are things about ourselves we want to change but we don’t know how or where to start,” said Adas. “When everyone is doing it, it motivates us to reflect and wonder what we can do.”

Adas recommends mapping out how to achieve the goal and rewarding yourself for steps taken in the right direction to stay motivated throughout the year.

New Year’s resolutions may not be the best motivator

Photo by Hannah Janisse Exercising more is at the top of the list for people who made new year’s resolutions. Outside of Windsor gym True Fitness.

YouGov, found out of over 1000 Canadians who participated, the most popular New Year’s New Year’s resolutions resolution for 2020 was around being healthier are often exercising more. The third not a strong enough motivator and fourth most popular were for people to make changes to eating healthier and losing their lifestyle. weight. Many gyms offer special A survey conducted by membership rates in January to

By Hannah Janisse MediaPlex Examiner

motivate people to join.

Windsor gym Empire Muscle Fitness’s founder and owner Andrew Hedges has more than 120 members and said there is a slight rise in memberships in January.

“We do get a little busier following the holiday season,” said Hedges.

While Hedges said that the new year is a good cue for people to remember to start paying attention to certain things, he does not find new year resolutions to be effective motivators for people.

‘They don’t really keep people diligent and on top of their fitness,” said Hedges.

Windsor-based dietitian Lauren Fleming said she sees a jump every January in people wanting to become healthier but most of the time they do not make a full investment.

“There are a few people who I do see that it’s a jumping off point for them to make healthier changes, but more

often it’s not a full investment,” said Fleming.

She said the new year is a great time for change, but says any time is good for making a change. When deciding to choose to start with exercise or healthy eating habits, Fleming said a person should decide based on what they are interested in.

Andrea Docherty, a Windsorbased registered dietitian and sports nutritionist, said when dealing with pressure that comes with making a goal for better health it is important to set realistic expectations.

“If people approach New Year’s resolutions, instead of setting these really unrealistic goals, really trying to look at changing their behaviours and developing healthy lifestyle habits that they can keep for the rest of their lives, then that takes away some of the pressure,” said Docherty.

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

PAGE 10

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Is Windsor emergency ready?

By Zachary Balough MediaPlex News

Emergency planners suggest homeowners have a plan in place in case of a large-scale catastrophic event.

Emergencies can be anything from severe weather to lockdowns. Residents should be always have a plan in place according to the City of Windsor website.

In a city like Windsor, which has a population of about 336,000, it may be difficult to notify everyone at once. This is where the use of social media would be helpful.

Most response teams from Windsor Fire and Rescue and the Windsor Police Department have social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter to alert the population when a catastrophic event takes place.

Windsor Fire Chief Fire Prevention Officer John Lee said the emergency team would send out notifications in the case of an emergency.

“It depends on what the emergency is and what the scale of the emergency is, so we’re not relying solely on social media,” said Lee. “We do Twitter. The city also has a Facebook account I deal directly with corporate communications so if there is going to be a media release or a media event, myself and Jason Moore from corporate communications will liaise together. It depends on the scale of the event who is going to be speaking.

If it is a fire specific event it’s me, if, let’s say a tornado or a flood or something it probably will be the mayor who speaks but that won’t be arranged through corporate communications and we work together.”

Windsor does not have a mass notification system that would notify the population in case of an event such as a tornado.

“We have put proposals to council for the last three years to try and get one in. We haven’t tendered it, but we have vendors who are available who can provide it but that’s up to council to approve it. It’s fairly costly, it’s an annual cost, it’s not a one-shot deal, ” said Lee.“It is essentially like a reverse 911. So, if there is an event in the municipality, I live in I’ll get a text on my phone and I’ll also get a message on my email.

So sign up with the municipality and when notification goes out it’s a blast like the Amber Alerts are and that’s how they are done.”

The City of Windsor has an emergency preparedness guide on www.WindsorFire.com. The

guide was developed by Emergency Planning Officer Emily Bertram and details what people need to know about emergencies, such as severe weather, developing a family plan and how to be alert ready.

Bertram said it is important to have a 72-hour kit nearby. She suggests keeping it in a spot where you will remember to find it in case of an emergency.

“In an emergency, having that all in one place can really come in handy so that would be the biggest thing people should do is get that 72-hour kit,” said Bertram.

A 72-hour kit should contain the important amenities like food and water to last 72 hours.

This kit is to be used in an emergency and there are various other kits for cars and pet emergencies as well.

City budget deliberations for 2020 finalized

By Donia El-Haddad MediaPlex Examiner

Tim Hortons’ employee says she thinks the new lids work well to prevent spilling.

Photo by Jazlyn Meloche

Controversy sparks over Tim Hortons’ new lids

By Jazlyn Meloche MediaPlex Examiner

People are divided over the quality of the new Tim Hortons’ lids released last summer.

After years of complaints about the old lids with the peel design, Tim Hortons changed to a “pucker and peel” hybrid lid to prevent drips and spills and allow for easier drinking.

The maple leaf shape pressed into the lid is to prevent the drinker’s nose from squishing into it, according to a Tim Hortons media release.

Tim Hortons’ executives

have said the old lid design was used for over 20 years.

Tim Hortons’ president, Alex Macedo, in a press release when the lids were released, said they took more than two years to develop it, conducting research studies and working with thousands of guests to help design the new lid.

Olivia Villa, an employee at a local Tim Hortons, said she likes the news lids and thinks they work well to prevent spilling.

“I really like the new lids.

I’ve always been a dome lid person, but I feel like they don’t spill nearly as much especially

when I have to take back roads to school,” said Villa. “I have gotten quite a few complaints from customers, but I think they’re great.”

However, Avarie Bouchard, a regular customer at a local Tim Hortons, said the new lids have more issues than the old ones.

“The new lids are worse.

When my hands are full and I’m trying to hold on to my Tim’s, I can’t hold it in my mouth anymore,” said Bouchard.

“They still spill and are just as difficult to drink out of.”

On January 27, 2020 budget deliberations were finalized in the City of Windsor.

Igor Dzaic is a Ward 7 candidate for the upcoming by-election.

“The biggest take away was going down from a recommended 3.6 per cent tax increase to a very healthy 2.1 per cent tax increase. So what does this mean for Ward 7 and for the city of Windsor?

It means this budget is very infrastructure heavy. Fixing the roads, the sewers, flood mitigation, the asset management plan and of course, expanded transit.”

Ward 1 Councilor Fred Francis would have liked the tax increase to be under two per cent, although his multiple motions were rejected by the majority of the council.

The operating budget will be $850 million with $420 million coming from taxpayer dollars.

Sewers and roads will see $161 million of the budget.

This is the largest in city’s history.

PAGE 11

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Ikea closes pick-up points

By Precious Alasa MediaPlex Examiner

Customers at Ikea are disappointed as one of the world’s leading furniture retail stores closes its pick-up and order point stores across Ontario.

Five years after opening them, the Swedish retail store announced the closing of its remaining five Pick-up and Order Point stores in Ontario including Windsor, London, Kitchener, St. Catharines and Whitby.

Some customers are not happy with this new development and hope that Ikea will reconsider and open a larger retail store.

“We just bought a whole new kitchen from Ikea. I love the store, the product is great, but I don’t know why they are closing. It’s too bad, it’s a shame.

Hopefully they open one of the large ones they have in Toronto,” said Ron Gray, 62, an Ikea customer.

Ikea Canada launched its pick-up and order point concept in 2015 as part of a global test program to learn more about how customers want to shop. The decision to close its existing units is due to the end of the global test effective Jan. 29, 2020.

“We are truly grateful to our co-workers who have contributed to our Pick-up and Order Point program. We will work with every co-worker to find the best option for them, including support to find a new position at Ikea Canada in one of our stores or distribution units,” said Kristin Newbigging, the spokesperson for Ikea Canada.

In 2019, Ikea Canada reported positive sales growth of 6.1 per cent, welcoming 31 million visitors to Ikea Canada stores and more than 117 million visits on IKEA.ca.

“The Pick-up and Order Point units were part of a global test and the decision to close is a direct result of that specific test and does not reflect on the overall business performance,” said Newbigging.

Building on this , Ikea’s stated goal is to transform its business model to be fit for long-term growth, including enhancing their existing stores, investing in digital experience, growing the distribution network and improving their service offer.

Ikea said they appreciate the support they have received from the local community over the years and remain committed to serving them in the best possible way.

Online shopping involves some risk

By Rajandeep Singh MediaPlex Examiner

Windsor police are advising people to use caution when shopping online.

Online shopping makes it easy to purchase and gather goods but sometimes it causes difficulties in a person’s life.

Sgt. Steve Betteridge of Windsor Police Service reminds people to be cautious when shopping online.

“While online shopping fraud matters are rare, the community is reminded to be vigilante and verify sources. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is too good to be true,” said Betteridge. “Whenever people buy something online, they should not go to private places or far away from the city and do not go alone. Always

go to public places such as the mall, restaurants, and in public, where adults are present.”

Sgt. Betteridge said Windsor Police are always concerned about public safety.

Even delivery drivers have to be careful when it comes to online shopping.

Prabhsharan Singh is a driver for Amazon in Brampton. He enjoys his work, but sometimes face difficulties while delivering.

“When I go to deliver, I have to deal with some rude behaviour from people,” said Singh.

According to Statista Research Department, there were 22.5 million people online shopping in 2019, spending $2,000 or more per person in a year.

Photo by Albert Sharp Peggy Winch stands in the lobby of the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor-Essex County.

Fighting Alzheimer’s with love and patience

By Albert Sharp MediaPlex Examiner

At the age of 18, a Windsor man received news no child wants to hear. His mother had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

While watching a loved one suffering the debility that comes with Alzheimer’s is difficult for adults, it is equally heartbreaking and difficult for young people, especially teenagers.

Many young people also rise to the occasion and provide love and support to their affected parent.

Kyle Menard, 22, has been the primary caregiver for his mother Diana who is now 47 for the past four years following her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. This disease is the most common form of dementia, a condition that is characterized by the decline in a person’s memory and other brain functions.

After receiving the news of his mother’s diagnosis, Menard decided to study to become a personal support worker because he planned to be the one to care for his mother.

Despite his mother’s condition, Menard said that life has been easy and that his mother’s health does not often conflict with day-to-day tasks.

“She’s still the same mother I had before. We just gotta work a bit harder,” said Menard.

Menard says his mother’s memory and mental health are doing well. However, he said his mother often does forget divorcing her husband and needs to be reminded. He said one of the hardest things about his mother’s diagnosis is the decline in her overall memory.

“My mom and I used to be big on trivia, so her memory was always one of my favourite things about her,” said Menard.

Menard and his mother have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society since the initial diagnosis. The Alzheimer’s Society is an organization dedicated to educating and supporting those affected

by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Menard used to take his mother to attend the Day Away Program that is offered through the Alzheimer’s Society. The program offers a break for caregivers while offering those affected a chance to remain socialized and stimulated. The society also offers various other educational and support programs, as well as an in-home respite program so those affected can receive care in the comfort of their own homes.

Peggy Winch, the manager of fund development and community engagement at the Alzheimer’s Society of Windsor Essex County, said everyone’s experiences with the disease are unique and should be treated as such.

“One key point is, if you’ve met one person with dementia, you’ve met one person with dementia,” said Winch.

In Canada, more than 25,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease each year. It is estimated there are over half a million Canadian men and women living with this mind debilitating disease.

For more information on Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit ilivewithdementia.ca

PAGE 12

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Social Opportunity surrounds environment-based industries media influences spending

By Tyler Clapp

MediaPlex Examiner

Local business owners and directors see future growth in environment-based industries.

Global clean energy, electric bike and agriculture markets are predicted to be worth $2 to $31 billion in the next two to five years and opportunities are developing for these industries locally.

During the last 12 years, solar panel provider Green Sun Rising has had over 300 completed projects. Company president Klaus Dohring says new buildings present a chance for renewable energy.

“Why are we building new buildings that don’t have solar systems in them. Why are we continuing to build stuff where

we know in the next decades, we will need to retrofit,” said Dohring.

The World Economic Forum predicts 70,000 solar panels will be added every hour over the next five years globally.

Established in 2002, Ambassador Bicycles has been selling electric bikes for about 15 years.

Store owner Robert Parent said the Windsor-Essex region is improving for e-bike riders.

“Infrastructure and cost are probably the two greatest factors, but that’s now becoming a bit more accessible on both ends,” said Parent.

Infrastructure is changing to allow electric bikes more freedom into areas like provincial parks and quality bike models are getting cheaper with costs ranging from $1,300 to $2,300.

Green Sun Rising, located at 1680 Kildare Rd. has over 300 completed projects.

Justin Falconer, senior director at Workforce WindsorEssex, said technology aids local agriculture.

“Everything’s beginning to change now where they can see their property from a sky view.

They can see where pests are on their property and to what extent,” said Falconer.

A report by the Royal Bank of Canada says using technology with national agriculture can add $11 billion to the Canadian GDP over 10 years.

As the agriculture and clean energy industries draw interest, gaining investments totalling $269 million last year and $3.4 trillion in the past decade, these industries are making their way into the community.

Photo by Tyler Clapp

University Avenue proposed development project worth $35M along the University Avenue West corridor,” said Atkinson.

“The clean-up of a long-standA project by AIPL Canada – a ing brownfield property will firm with roots in India– is fo- improve environmental condicusing on the development of tions and have a positive effect the Junction property on Uni- on the value of surrounding versity Avenue West. The proj- lands.” ect is costing $35 million.

The city has approved $3 milOfficials said there are a num- lion for brownfield property ber of benefits for the city and cleanup with the hope of redeUniversity Avenue from this velopment. project.

“While property tax-based inGreg Atkinson, 41, is a city centives are recommended for planner in Windsor. the proposed development, the “The addition of 148 apart- improved property will eventuments will provide new hous- ally contribute increased taxes ing and drive the need for to the city,” said Atkinson. nearby services and amenities There are also plans for future

By Rajandeep Singh MediaPlex Examiner

development of several areas in Windsor.

Ward 3 councilor, Rino Bortolin, said there are some important aspects about this project such as new buildings, roads and streets.

“This project is very important for us because it will enhance business and lots of people were living outside, they got living areas like a condo building,” said Bortolin.

The entire city will look very different in the next few some years. Many new developments will change the whole city.

By Erich Schnekenburger MediaPlex Examiner

Ads are everywhere — on the street, on TV and now on the smartphones of millions of teenagers across the country — proving to be influential on their spending habits.

Ad spending in social media marketing from companies worldwide amounted to around US$102 million in 2020, according to Statista. They also report this number is expected to have an annual growth of seven per cent resulting in a market volume of around US$125 million by 2023. Recent studies are showing this is having a particular effect on the Millenial and Gen Z generations.

According to Schwab’s 2019 Modern Wealth Survey, 49 per cent of Millennials reported spending their money on a product or experience because of something they saw on social media. Gen Zs are right behind this number with 44 per cent of the generation admitting to the same habit. The numbers include both the influence of their peers and company advertisements and show a sign of how effective social media advertising is becoming.

Emma Bacon, 19, a first year biology student at Queens University said she has bought several items through Instagram ads including makeup and clothes.

“It’s instant gratification.

You don’t have time to think through a purchase when it’s so accessible,” said Bacon.

Payten Cervini, 18, is a business student at Ryerson University and said she has purchased health juices through Instagram ads.

“By showing us products we don’t have it puts want in our subconscious,” said Cervini.

With social media ad spending set to grow in the years ahead, it remains to be seen how spending habits of younger generations are affected.

PAGE 13

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Learning to curl at Roseland

Photo by Ken Pastushyn Instructors Mitchell Blanchard and Dave Guttman perform a sweeping demonstration at a free “Learn to Curl” clinic at the Roseland Golf and Curling Club.

ery third Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. during the October through March curling season.

“It’s an easy game to learn The Roseland Golf & Curling Club is offering free “Learn to but hard to master,” said Dave Guttmann, a junior ice techniCurl” clinics to the public.

These will take place ev- cian and curling instructor at

By Ken Pastushyn MediaPlex Examiner

The Hungry Pooch’s grand reopening

By Eleanor Dhillon MediaPlex Examiner

Dog owners in Windsor Essex now have options for their pooches’ plates. One of them is the BARF diet.

Alina Sherman and her husband Attilla Sherman are the top dogs at the Hungry Pooch and have been serving up biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) for three years. Their passion has driven their business and help spread word of the popular diet. The Hungry Pooch was the first of its kind in Windsor and Essex, and one of the few pet shops in Canada that does not sell any dry food.

“I just love spreading the word on holistic feeding, and that there are alternatives out there for pet health,” said Sherman. “It doesn’t have to be so focused on giving them dry food and thinking that that’s the only option. I think a lot of people just don’t know and we’re really unique in the kind of store we run. There is going to be a very big difference between our south Windsor location currently and this new Dougall store in what we can carry.”

Alan Walker, a customer at the Hungry Pooch was very

hesitant when he was told about the BARF diet. Walker picked up his dog Alfie almost a year ago from a dog breeder.

When he asked about what to continue feeding Alfie, she told him she had been giving him and his siblings raw meat.

“At first we were very surprised,” said Walker. “But as she continued explaining we became very interested in this special diet she called the BARF diet. When my wife and I got home we researched this diet more and actually we were very pleasantly surprised with the results.”

Walker explained how feeding his dog raw meat had, and continues to be, extremely beneficial for his dog’s health. Each month Walker spends $200 on food supplies for Alfie. He buys a box of chicken and a box of lamb; this cost also covers the cost of his snacks which include pig ears.

“Alfie is nearly a year old and we have been buying his food from the Hungry Pooch for almost eight months,” said Walker. “If you care about your dog and your care about their health look into the BARF diet and change theirs today the results will change their life.”

Roseland. “It can be a challenge but it’s not elusive.”

More than 50 participants have signed up for the clinics this season. They learn the rules of curling, how to properly step onto the ice to avoid a slip and fall, followed by a demonstration on how to properly glide from one end to the other while pushing the broom on the ice surface. Eventually, everyone has a try at sliding from the starting block while releasing a 42 lb. curling rock.

“The slide is the toughest thing they have to learn,” said Mitchell Blanchard, 17, who was in Roseland’s novice league last year, and is now on the Massey high school team and helping Guttman with instructing. “And usually they throw the rock way too hard.”

The trick is to throw the rock softer while the two sweepers

on your team will clear the ice of any debris, thus making the rock travel faster and up to 10 feet further. Sweeping is also the best way to keep warm inside a cold rink. Guttmann said the best way to learn curling is by doing.

Most of the curlers at Roseland register for a league such as the novice, recreational, mixed or a competitive one. On Saturdays, there are lessons as well as well as public ice rental and special events like the “Rock ‘n’ Curl.” Roseland plays the rock music and you and your friends can curl for a couple of hours.

The cost for two hours is $140 and instruction is $30 extra.

“Curling is some thing we hope to continue to grow in Windsor,” said Guttmann.

“Roseland is city-owned and there is more public access for events like this.”

Small business needs social media savvy

By Kenneth Pastushyn MediaPlex Examiner

The St. Clair College Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre offers a variety of free monthly workshops to students and alumni at the main campus and the downtown Student Success Centre.

One example is the Build Your Small Business with Social Media workshop where instructors give advice on marketing strategies using Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Sierra Scott, marketing cordinator at the Genesis Centre said students who are thinking of starting their own small business are encouraged to post as frequently and consistently as possible within their own industry.

“You are keeping up to date on your posts but the real value is people commenting on your posts,” said Sierra Scott. “They will check out your page and look at your content.”

Scott said you must ask yourself this question: what social media platforms are your customers and clients using and what social platforms are you using?

She said Facebook is the largest and most popular platform and the demographic is for people over 30 years old. You can personalize your Facebook

page by describing the business services you are providing as if you are telling a story. Facebook is ideal for educating your customers and clients.

Scott said Facebook is a really good tool if you do not have a website. Scott said Twitter is the platform that allows you to portray your personality. People who use Twitter tend to be younger and on the go.

“With Facebook, people may not see your posts,” said Trevor Ramieri, the project manager of ReVert, a student-driven environmental initiative aimed at reimagining current recycling practices. “But with Twitter, your posts run chronologically.”

Ramieri said for an even younger crowd, people in their teens tend to use Instagram where they post photos, videos,short messages and creative comments to tell a story about their business in order to associate with clients. Being able to engage through relevant tags is crucial because the reviews can be circulated to potential customers.

“Your best sales person is a happy customer,” said Ramieri, a horticulture student and management student in the culinary program at St. Clair College.

“Other people talking about your services is what gets you customers.”

PAGE 14

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

How Windsorites can prepare for Bell Let’s Talk 2020 the new coronavirus: COVID-19

By Jessica Tatton

By Erich Schnekenbuger MediaPlex Examiner

Health officials are keeping residents informed about the novel coronavirus, now known officially as COVID-19.

“A coronavirus is a group of viruses that are named after their appearance. There are a number of coronaviruses that are out there. There are only a few that are of interest to us from a disease perspective,” said Dr.Wajid Ahmed, a medical officer at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit.

Ahmed said the coronaviruses that are most relevant to Windsor at the moment are the SARS virus, MERS, and the usual coronavirus which is like a mild cold that many people get all the time. However, the version of the virus, called 2019-nCoV, is different.

“It’s different in terms of the disease it caused, in terms of infectivity and its fatality,” said Ahmed.

Now 17 years after the deadly SARS virus, hospitals across Canada will show what they learned from that experience.

Steve Erwin, manager of government and community relations at Windsor Regional Hospital, said there was a lot to learn from SARS. “Hospitals across the system learned a lot from the SARS experience in terms of preparedness, like how we alert the community and how we work with health care partners,” said Erwin.

Erwin said the SARS experience, though deadly, helped change the system to be more prepared for the present outbreak of coronavirus.

“The silver lining in that issue when it developed was that it led to a lot of conversations about what healthcare practitioners can do better,” said Erwin. “So what we’re seeing now is kind of the fruit of that.

Researchers are working on potential vaccines and advice to the community.” said Erwin.

The appropriate precautions to protect oneself include coughing and sneezing into your sleeve, washing your hands as much as possible and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

The latest updates from the World Health Organization have confirmed approximately 7,800 global cases of the new virus. The majority have been diagnosed in Wuhan, China, where the disease was first identified. A travel warning for China has also been issued by the U.S. State Department.

PSW shortage in Ontario

By Ashley Gholampoor MediaPlex Examiner

In Ontario there are more than 100,000 personal support workers, but the province is in need of more.

There is a big shortage of PSWs in the province according to Ontario Health Coalition.

The issue arises from the lack of students who are enroling in the PSW courses at colleges around the province. Perceived job stress could be a factor in low enrolment.

Charlene Miller has been a PSW for 11 years, in Amherstburg. She said working day to day as a PSW is a lot of wear and tear on a person’s body physically and mentally. She said she works with four gentleman and assists them with tasks of everyday living, like: bathing, cooking, grocery shopping and doing things in the community.

Miller said she reads when stressed and tries to walk away from a stressful situation to regroup and face the situation a

different way.

“I keep a positive attitude by remembering why I wanted to do this job in the first place,” said Miller. “We make such an impact on the people we support, it is so important to be positive around them. After all we are in their home. Treat the people you are caring for like they are family. A lot of the time, you are all they see.”

Dave Peters works in Amherstburg. He said he fell into the job almost 30 years ago while attending post secondary because his friend introduced him to it.

“It’s not always my favourite place to be,” said Peters. “But watching people I support making forward strides and achieving a better quality of life is the rewarding part.”

Peters says stepping away from stressful situations for a period of time helps him. Other times he said he will tinker with electronics and feels a certain satisfaction out of fixing stuff that others would proba-

bly throw away.

Along with Miller, Peters said the hardest part of being in this field is watching people’s health decline. He said it is difficult when someone does not have any family to advocate for them. Peters said if anyone is interested in pursuing in this field, they need to be patient.

“Take time to listen and advocate,” said Peters. “Don’t go into it thinking you will earn lots of money. Go into it because you want to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The average rate of pay for a beginner PSW is $16.50 hourly. Their salary can range between $27,300 and $48,750 per year. A Caring in Crisis report has been commissioned by Unifor regarding the shortage. The report is going to be based on the meetings which will be held across Ontario along with feedback. In Windsor-Essex County, around 450 people are working as PSWs in the community, and are in need of more.

MediaPlex Examiner

Jan. 29 was Bell Let’s Talk day, but that does not mean the conversation about mental health needs to stop. The president of the St. Clair College Student Representative Council encourages students to always seek help in a mental health crisis.

January and February are the most prominent time of the year for seasonal depression, according to psychiatry.org, so the conversation of mental health is being brought into the light once more. Kiara Clement said she supports Bell Lets Talk and its cause.

“Bell Let’s Talk annually starts up again the conversation about mental health, mental illness, speaking up and supporting one another,” said Clement.

“Not only is this annual campaign raising money for mental health supports and services, but it is annually helping us chip away at the stigma that exists and that is growing and changing.”

Students have the potential to be depressed during this time of year. Many schools and other organizations provide services targeting students mental health.

“From my perspective as SRC President, I acknowledge that there is a multitude of international students who experience mental health issues.

However, they may not even know where to begin in terms of talking about it and getting help because in some places in the world it is taboo or the stigma is much more grievous,” said Clement.

John Bautista, a professor at St. Clair College emphasises the fact that conversation is key in recovery, and that mental illness does not discriminate.

Seasonal depression affects student performance, according to Bautista.

Bell Let’s Talk enlists the help of celebrities, such as Howie Mandel, to promote its message.

Bautista said this also helps continue the conversation.

“It’s a silent issue that we need to talk about more especially with celebrities, we’ve lost a lot of celebrities, because we didn’t know they were struggling….

Even now with a lot of celebrities on Instagram they are trying to promote ‘hey, it’s okay to talk about it and you shouldn’t be afraid,’” said Bautista.

PAGE 15

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Windsor Spitfires and CMHA support youth through Talk Today program

By Calvin Vreman MediaPlex Examiner

Puck drop looked a bit different this week. The Windsor Spitfires hosted Talk Today, an event organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

The event featured children’s games and information tables, which led to the official puck drop with the Windsor-Essex County branch of CMHA dropping the puck to start off the game. The Talk Today program started as a partnership between the CMHA and the Ontario Hockey League since 2014. Each year since, CMHA reaches out to youth hockey teams across the country teaching players the importance of mental health. They are also taught suicide alertness skills through SafeTALK, a mental health workshop, according to Ewelina Horochowik, a team member who speaks for the CMHA. “The aim of OHL Talk Today is to promote the mental health of young athletes and to spread awareness about the benefits of

positive mental health throughout communities across the country,” said Horochowik.

The event also featured a photo booth where guests could take photos to be posted to social media with the hashtag #TalkToday to help end the stigma surrounding mental health.

After a tough 3-1 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs, Spitfires Assistant Coach, Jerrod Smith, talked about the importance of the Talk Today program as well as the SafeTALK course.

“I think the most important thing is building relationships with the players and once that’s established you get a feel for them and their demeanors,” said Smith. “If something that we see changes it’s always a conversation, those little conversations we’re having every day, and it’s not only about hockey, it’s about life. We take pride in having players feel comfortable coming to us with anything and that’s a big part of the job.”

Talk Today has been working to reach youth hockey players and educate young peo-

ple about mental health. The program has provided minor league hockey teams with mental health coaches as well as a local mental health champion .

These coaches and champions act as support for players and supply resources, in an effort to make mental health a priority for them.

“Many young men find it very difficult to be open about their feelings, most young men tend to push the emotions away instead of facing them. There is a stigma towards men being emotional, although a lot of the patients I have are young men seeking help,” said mental health professional Diana Semaan.

She also expressed the importance of having a support system in place, talking to others and reaching out when and where help is needed. Through Talk Today and SafeTALK, the CMHA has been working to end the stigma and to make the OHL an organization that is more conscious of athletes mental health. Visit the CMHA website at www.windsoressex. cmha.ca for more information about these and other programs.

Smoking, stress and diet can affect men’s reproductive health Exposure to pesticides and using cannabis can also affect fertility

By Sidharth Krishna MediaPlex Examiner

Research has shown men who make poor lifestyle choices could negatively impact their reproductive health.

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the average man was able to identify only 51 per cent of the risk factors and 45 per cent of health issues related to infertility.

According to Simarjeet Sahota, sociologist and a specialist in reproductive health, practicing a sedentary lifestyle, dealing with high stress, maintaining an unhealthy diet and a lack of sleep all deteriorate male reproductive health.

Sahota also said one of the main causes of poor reproductive health is smoking.

“Research has shown that tobacco usage does affect the quality of sperm,” said Sahota. “Both its motility (ability to swim) and its numbers.”

Sahota also said the practice of placing a laptop on one’s lap also affects sperm quality.

“Laptops generate heat,” said Sahota. “Naturally the temperature (of the testicles) is supposed to be lower than that of other organs. There is a biological reason why the scrotum is outside the body and feels colder than the rest of the body parts. So, having the laptop on your lap is not a good idea.”

According to a study pub-

lished by PLOS One, in 2012, approximately 1 in every 90 Ontario men aged 66 or older suffered from hypogonadism (diminished production of sex hormones).

Shawn Chirrey, senior manager at the Canadian Cancer Society, said although most risk factors for testicular cancer are non-modifiable, there are quite a few risk factors that involve lifestyle choices.

“Exposure to pesticides, working as a firefighter, working with certain chemicals like DDT… are some of the things,” said Chirrey.

According to Chirrey, smoking cannabis is also a possible risk factor.

“There’s been some studies

showing that men who smoke cannabis have slightly higher risk for testicular cancer,” said Chirrey. “If you smoke cannabis frequently, it can increase your risk for testicular cancer.”

Chirrey also said it is important to consult a medical professional if you have a family history of testicular cancer or if you’ve previously contracted testicular cancer.

Sahota said men often are reluctant to seek professional help when it comes to matters concerning their genitalia.

“It is assumed that they(men) know everything(regarding their genitals),” said Dr. Sahota.

“This assumption… is the big barrier.”

PAGE 16

WWW.THEMEDIAPLEX.COM

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

Library relocates to Windsor’s core

By Precious Alasa MediaPlex Examiner

The Paul Martin Building that was purchased by the City of Windsor is now the the newest Windsor Public Library location.

The Windsor Public Library Central branch relocated to an 11,000 square-foot library space at the Paul Martin Building on Mon. Feb. 3.

The public library, now located at 185 Ouellette Ave. is temporarily occupying two floors in the building.

The first floor will house the main library while the second, the administration offices and auxiliary services. The new site

is close to bus and bicycle routes, with parking, which makes it convenient for anyone.

“I think this is a very welcoming place for the public,” said Jennifer Franklin-McInnis, the Public Service Librarian.

“We love to see children down here, young adult, university and college students and people who work in the downtown.”

The new space cost approximately just under $2 million to undergo complete renovation and create room for more people.

“I think this location is really good, I thought it would be cramped and smaller but it’s

Windsor fire officials were called to attend a fire at Hogan’s Printing at 1636 Tec. Rd. E. Sun. Feb. 9. Chief Fire Prevention Officer John Lee said it meets the criteria to call in the Ontario Fire Marshall.

“This is a large loss fire,” said Lee. It is the second time a fire has destroyed the printing facility in the last two years, with a previous fire at another location on Drouillard Road. That fire resulted in $500,000 in damages, forcing the business to move to the second location.

Lee said the fires are not being treated as connected. The cause really nice. I find this place a lot of the fire is under investigabetter looking than I thought it tion. would be,” said Dale (Brady) Baylis, a visitor who visits the library two to three times a day.

According to a statement from WPL CEO Kitty Pope, materials and resources not making it to the new location have been Hotel-Dieu Grace Healthcare distributed to other library (HDGH), formerly known as branches.

Sarah McCullough, who Grace Hospital, celebrated its visits the library once a month, centennial anniversary on Satthinks the location is closer and urday.

Irek Kusmierczyk, Member gives more access to municipal of Parliament for Windsor-Teinformation for students.

People can sign up to get a cumseh called the anniversary Windsor Public Library card at inspiring.

“The stories that were shared any library location. and the folks that came together - including two nursing graduates from 1948 - made for a truly inspiring day,” said Kusmiercyzk in a tweet.

“February 1, 1920, the doors opened to the first patients of the new Salvation Army Grace Hospital and 100 years later we celebrate that remarkable day and organization,” said Janice with that, we’ll provide and Kaffer, president and CEO of train each individual.”

HDGH. “The building may be Arnel says it is important re- gone but the love, care, compascruits are eager to assist in the sion, professionalism and sense community because commu- of family [is still] alive in Hotel nity assistance is what the job Dieu Grace Hospital.” entails.

Kaffer tweeted that the In order to become a fire- HDGH team works “hard every fighter in Ontario you must day to respect the legacy” left pass an exam for proper certi- by the original Grace staff. fication in order to be verified “No matter what we do or as qualified, then you must how we grow we promise to pass a medical examination. never lose sight of where we The qualification test is tak- have been,” said Kaffer.

The event also officially en online, to learn more about the exam visit, www.firefight- launched the book, Amazing Grace by local author and Canaers-exam.com.

The deadline for this recruit- dian poet Marty Gervais. The book captures the legacy of the ment period is Fri. Feb. 7. former hospital.

Essex Fire and Rescue looking for the brave at heart

By Maxwell Deliberato MediaPlex Examiner

Essex Fire department are hiring and they are looking for recruits that can handle a little more than the scorching temperatures of a fire.

The department is looking for eight recruits to fill positions at the three local fire stations. According to Rick Arnel, Chief of Fire of the Essex Fire Departments, only about 10 per cent of the job consists of fighting fires.

“Understandably you hear the word fire and you think fire is the main thing we do,” said Arnel. “We go out and assist people in some of the worst situations they can be

in, some of the things (people) don’t understand are smoke alarms and CO2 alarms, we go out and have the conversation with them, make sure they know what’s going on.”

According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, half a million incidents were reported to Fire Rescue Services in Ontario in 2017. Of those cases, 10,296 were fires resulting in a loss (The Solicitor General considers loss to be injury, fatality or loss of money).

“What we’re looking for in a new recruit is just a genuine person that wants to be able to help out the community,” said Arnel. “All the training we do, all the attributes that come

Second fire at Hogan’s Printing

100 years of Grace Hospital